American Democracy
What does the Constitution do?
▪ sets up the government
▪ defines the government
▪ protects basic rights of Americans
Name one branch or part of the government.*
▪ Congress▪ legislative▪ President▪ executive▪ the courts▪ judicial
There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
▪ Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
▪ You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
▪ Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)▪ A male citizen of any race (can vote).
What is one reason colonists came to America?
▪ freedom
▪ political liberty
▪ religious freedom
▪ economic opportunity▪ practice their religion▪ escape persecution
Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
▪ Missouri (River)
▪ Mississippi (River)
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
the Bill of Rights
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
▪ checks and balances▪ separation of powers
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?*
▪ serve on a jury
▪ vote in a federal election
Why did the colonists fight the British?
▪ because of high taxes (taxation without representation)
▪ because the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering)▪ because they didn’t have self-government
What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
▪ Pacific (Ocean)
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
twenty-seven (27)
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
▪ the President
What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
▪ freedom of expression
▪ freedom of speech
▪ freedom of assembly
▪ freedom to petition the government▪ freedom of religion
▪ the right to bear arms
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
▪ (Thomas) Jefferson
Name one U.S. territory.
▪ Puerto Rico
▪ U.S. Virgin Islands
▪ American Samoa
▪ Northern Mariana Islands▪ Guam
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
▪ announced our independence (from Great Britain)
▪ declared our independence (from Great Britain)
▪ said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)
Who makes federal laws?
▪ Congress
▪ Senate and House (of Representatives)▪ (U.S. or national) legislature
What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
▪ give up loyalty to other countries
▪ defend the Constitution and laws of the United States▪ obey the laws of the United States
▪ serve in the U.S. military (if needed)
▪ serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed)▪ be loyal to the United States
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
▪ July 4, 1776
Name one state that borders Canada.
▪ Maine
▪ New Hampshire▪ Vermont
▪ New York
▪ Pennsylvania
▪ Ohio
▪ Michigan
▪ Minnesota
▪ North Dakota
▪ Montana
▪ Idaho
▪ Washington
▪ Alaska
What is the “rule of law”?
▪ Everyone must follow the law.▪ Leaders must obey the law.
▪ Government must obey the law.▪ No one is above the law.
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?*
▪ the Senate and House (of Representatives)
What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
▪ vote
▪ join a political party
▪ help with a campaign
▪ join a civic group
▪ join a community group
▪ give an elected official your opinion on an issue▪ call Senators and Representatives
▪ publicly support or oppose an issue or policy
▪ run for office
▪ write to a newspaper
There were 13 original states. Name three.
▪ New Hampshire▪ Massachusetts▪ Rhode Island
▪ Connecticut
▪ New York
▪ New Jersey
▪ Pennsylvania
▪ Delaware
▪ Maryland
▪ Virginia
▪ North Carolina▪ South Carolina▪ Georgia
Who did the United States fight in World War II?
▪ Japan, Germany, and Italy